Top 100 Greatest Soundtrack Songs

Whether a token track on an eclectic track listing to score a mainstream movie, or part of a cohesive collection of songs setting the mood for an urban flick—some of hip-hop’s finest moments were birthed on soundtracks. It’s historically allowed artists to test singles that later wound up on their album and also served as sort of a breeding ground for upstarts. Cases in point, LL Cool J (“Can’t Live Without My Radio”), Snoop Dogg (“Deep Cover”) and Nas (“Halftime”), were formally introduced on soundtracks before going on to become rap superstars. As Boyz n the Hood, which produced its own memorable soundtrack, celebrates its 20-year anniversary today (July 12), XXL takes a look at the Top 100 Greatest Soundtrack Songs of All Time.—<em>XXL Staff</em>

The lone rap track on an R&B soundtrack, “Hot Sex” stood out amongst classics. The song was later sampled by Heltah Skeltah and Mary J. Blige and ended up as a bonus track on Tribe’s last LP, <em>The Love Movement.</em>

“Can I Get A...” put Jay in another stratosphere, but “Ain’t No Nigga” got the mainstream to finally noticed. The single also appeared on Hov’s <em>Reasonable Doubt</em> and helped the LP earn a gold plaque at the time.

This Naughty gem may not have charted as high as the group’s other hits (“O.P.P,” “Hip-Hop Hooray”), but it stands as one of the group’s most memorable anthems.

9. ZebraHead

9. Nas "Halftime," <em>Zebrahead</em> Soundtrack (1992)

On the heels of two scene-stealing guest appearances on Main Source's "Live At the Baarbecue" and MC Search's "Back to the Grill," Nas made his solo debut on this Large Professor-produced bass-heavy single. The track proved the Queensbridge prodigy had enough star power to carry his own load and served as prelude of legendary things to come.

Few songs embodied PE’s penchant for conveying messages through chaotic soundbeds more than this Less Than Zero Soundtrack standout. The cut appeared on PE’s epic <em>It Takes a Nation of Million to Hold Us Back</em> the following year and was covered by rock group Anthrax in 1991.

The title track to Ernest R. Dickerson’s epic flick, this bass-heavy single served as the perfect backdrop for the thriller. The song later appeared on Eric B. & Rakim’s Don’t <em>Sweat the Technique</em>.

This blockbuster single kept the lights on for various labels in the early ‘90s. Initially released on Death Row as part of the <em>Above the Rim</em> Soundtrack, the smash hit added to the notorious imprint’s legacy and later served as the lead single for Warren’s triple platinum <em>Regulate… G Funk Era</em> on Def Jam.

N.W who? Dre's first order of business after leaving the world's most dangerous group, “Deep Cover” kick-started (though released on SOLAR Records)Death Row Records' dominating run and introduced rap's next superstar: Snoop Doggy Dogg.

N.W who? Dre's first order of business after leaving the world's most dangerous group, “Deep Cover” kick-started (though released on SOLAR Records)Death Row Records' dominating run and introduced rap's next superstar: Snoop Doggy Dogg.

DotheRightThing

2. Public Enemy “Fight the Power,” Do the Right Thing Soundtrack (1989

Chances are Mookie had Public Enemy in mind when he picked up a garbage can and threw it through the window of Sal’s Famous Pizzeria as a protest of Radio Raheem’s death. The track not only banged, it demanded a call to action. Rosie Perez’s opening dance number in the movie also made the track that much more memorable.

1. 8-mile

1. Eminem "Lose Yourself," <em>8 Mile</em> Soundtrack (2002)

Perhaps no soundtrack song has balanced critical acclaim and commercial success better than Eminem's "Lose Yourself." The first single off Slim's semiautobiographical picture <em>8 Mile</em>, it peaked at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, pushed the soundtrack to a double platinum plaque and won an Oscar for Best Music, Original Song.

I AGREE WITH THE MAN. PAIN BY TUPAC SHOULD BE ON HERE. IT GOTTA BE 18 YUEAR OLDS WORKING FOR XXL. CAUSE IF YOU WAS BORN IN THE 80′S. YOU FUCKING WITH PAC.

canadafan

what about ice ts colors classic joint

Ev E

12. Crooklyn Dodgers – wasn’t OC it was Special ED!!!!

NAPTOWNNUIANCE

I half agree with this list, there is a lot of heat and proper numbering for some of the greats, but yeah I agree with the people above me, no pain or colors or murder was the case? Those easily would and should push out the lesser named artists songs that are garbage on this list. With all the 90′s talk you also left out facemob and spice 1 off born 2 die and the clicks hot ones echo through the ghetto off of the tales from the hood soundtrack those songs where nuts, just those three songs where worth havin the album for.

NAPTOWNNUISANCE

My bad the song facemobs in the house, spice 1′s born 2 die and hot ones echo through the ghetto were all on tales from the hood is what i was tryin to say.Oh and Im a big fan of Eminem but Rabbit run was a weak song, Stimulate one of ems best songs Wanksta and rap game should have been on here from the 8 mile sndtrk

Murda

PAIN was not on the Above the Rim Soundtrack. It was in the movie but not on the soundtrack.

Loose yourself??? Really. I see XXL is some D@!$ Riders. I can name 90 songs up there better than that BullS##$^

Truth

Uh… yes it was. I have the soundtrack and it’s definitely on there. See people, this is what happens when you get your info from Wikipedia.

@Murda, Pain and Loyal to the Game were on the cassette versions of the soundtrack as bonus songs. And Yeah they justified Lose Yourself as the number 1 song. I can agree with that for their reasons, even though I love the song myself I think there have been far better songs from soundtracks. Colors should be the number one, it isnt even on the list. It defined songs for soundtracks.

gvg

number 18..really? “forever” by Drake?….SMFH…XXL Please fire you staff and hire me..i know a few ppl that can post some real shit on here..

southcakc23

list is horrible. hell, most of xxl’s lists are horrible. it’s like the voter’s are 19 and have zero knowledge of hip hop and only mention some of the classics in failed attempts to secure any level of credibility. benz or beamer’s at #89??????????? C’MON SON! Ain’t nothin Outkast has ever done worthy of a #89 vote!

TheGoldenEra

SMH at Eminem being #1
Doesnt surprise me one bit

El B

Days of Our Livez – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Set It Off…come one, yall slippin’

Dick B

Crooklyn Dodgers at #66? Anyway this list is a joke, as all Magazine lists are.

Lord Maximus

Pain by 2pac is definitely one of his best songs as well, definitely a top 10 or 15 track.

Knuckz

The Crooklyn Dodgers were Masta Ace, Buckshot and Special Ed , but they have O.C. Woooooowww!!

Admiring the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

http://armycpol.net/ Army CPOL

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

http://fibrousdysplasia.net/ Fibrous Dysplasia

A large percentage of of the things you claim is supprisingly precise and that makes me ponder the reason why I had not looked at this in this light before. Your piece truly did switch the light on for me as far as this subject matter goes. Nevertheless there is actually one issue I am not really too cozy with so while I try to reconcile that with the actual central theme of your issue, permit me see what the rest of the readers have to say.Nicely done.

http://benigntumor.net/ Benign Tumor

certainly like your website but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.

http://abruptioplacentae.net/ Abruptio Placentae

In the grand scheme of things you’ll secure an A with regard to effort and hard work. Where exactly you confused me was first in your facts. You know, people say, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be more accurate right here. Having said that, let me inform you what exactly did give good results. The writing is certainly incredibly persuasive and this is probably why I am taking an effort to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, whilst I can easily notice the leaps in logic you come up with, I am not necessarily convinced of exactly how you appear to connect your details which make your conclusion. For now I will, no doubt subscribe to your position but trust in the near future you actually connect the facts much better.

http://www.plissee1.de/verdunkelungsrollo Verdunkelungsrollo günstig

I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this site and give it a look regularly.

I have always been unclear where you’re receving your information, but good topic. I has to invest some time learning more or understanding even more. Thanks regarding wonderful info I was ready for this information for my quest.

http://www.delicious.com/janhopper614 Canon MP620

What’s Transpiring i’m a new comer to this, I located this I’ve determined It positively helpful possesses aided me personally out a good deal. I wish to contribute & assist different users just like its aided us. Good job.

I have learn several good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you place to create such a fantastic informative website.

http://agaldhalkwdadlkjawldkjaw falwkjfdalwjkda ladalkjdlawkjd

Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So excellent to search out any person with some distinctive thoughts on this topic. realy thanks for starting this up. this internet site is 1 thing that’s wanted on the net, somebody with a bit originality. beneficial job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

http://www.aboutus.org/User:kyledean24 P90x Worksheets

I am really impressed with your writing skills plus also with the layout on your current weblog. Is this a good paid theme and also did you modify it all yourself? Anyway maintain the nice level of quality writing, it will be rare to see a nice blog like that one these kind of days..